The Collat School of Business at the University of Alabama at Birmingham marked Retail Day with an event that celebrated the state’s top retailers and allowed UAB business students to hear the leaders’ advice and success stories.
The Collat School of Business co-hosted a panel discussion on retail careers for business school students earlier this month. Photo: Hal Yaeger“To meet the state’s most accomplished retailers and learn from them directly is great for our students,” said Robert Robicheaux, Ph.D., chair of the UAB Department of Marketing, Industrial Distribution and Economics. “It’s part of our system to really encourage our students to interact with the business community. We want them to see what the real world is like and how much fun people can have doing what they love while meeting other people’s needs and expectations.”
Twelve retail businesses with operations in 72 Alabama cities and 31 states were recognized as Retailers of the Year at a luncheon at The Club.
Keynote speaker Rodney Barstein, chief operating officer of Simply Fashion Stores Ltd., gave the keynote speech. He outlined ways retail stores can best win and retain customers in a digital age with outstanding shopping and service experiences.
The UAB Collat School of Business partnered with the Alabama Retail Association to mark the 32nd annual Retail Day. The event highlights the retail industry’s contribution to the state economy.